Join us in Gillett Square to learn about Matariki/Pacific New Year - which celebrates the rising of the Matariki star cluster - with a free Whētu/star making workshop.
VFD invites everyone, including friends, family, children, dogs and imaginary friends to learn about Matariki while creating beautiful handmade Whētu (all sustainable materials provided). Come along from 12pm-2pm, stay as long or as short as you like and connect with our pasifika culture. After the workshop all the Whetū will be hung within Gillett Square to share your creations with the public throughout the day or you are welcome to take them home with you.
In Aotearoa, Matariki is a time to come together to remember all those that have passed into the realm of the star Pōhutukawa in the previous year and to celebrate the coming of the New Year by giving thanks for the gifts of our Taiao (natural world) to Waitī, star of freshwater bodies and all foods they contain; Waitā, star of the Moana (ocean) and the food it provides; Waipuna-ā-rangi, star of rainfall; Tupu-ā-nuku,star of all that grows in the earth and is harvested; Tupu-ā-Rangi, star of fruits, berries birds and all that grows on trees; Ururangi, star of the winds; Hiwa-i-te-Rangi, the wishing star and Matariki, star of people’s health and well being.
Please note : Whētu making takes around 20 mins but please feel free to come and go as you please.
Gillett Square is a fully accessible space.